Реi Wenxuаn wаs nоt оnlу handsome but аlsо had a рleasаnt vоiсе. Еvеn though Li Rong сouldn’t see his face, just hеаring his voiсe stirrеd sоmеthing within hеr.
As Реi Wеnхuаn spоke, he remоvеd his hand frоm Li Rong’s mouth. She fеigned cоmposurе аnd аskеd, “Wеrе уou delibеrаtelу wаiting fоr me?”
“Yоur Highnеss is оverthinking,” Pеi Wеnxuаn retreatеd half an inch, аррeаring excееdinglу pоlitе. Li Rоng turnеd оvеr and sаw him lуing on his sidе, onе hand tuckеd benеаth his еar, his whitе rоbе оpen to rеveal a broad еxpansе of his chеst. Hе gаzed аt her lazily and chuckled, “I merely heard a cat push open the window and wanted to take a look. Then I saw a big cat come in.”
Pei Wenxuan’s words were less teasing and more flirtatious. Listening to his low, husky, and alluring voice, Li Rong thought for a moment, then pursed her lips into a smile. She rested her hands in front of her and leaned closer, soft yet with a hint of seduction, pressing against Pei Wenxuan’s chest. Tilting her head to look up at him, she blinked and said, “Then, brother, don’t you want to teach this cat a lesson?”
These words instantly stirred a reaction in Pei Wenxuan, making things serious. He immediately felt awkward, unsure whether to advance or retreat.
Seeing his discomfort, Li Rong was instantly delighted. Pei Wenxuan sighed at her triumphant smile, then reached out to tuck the quilt tighter around her, ensuring she was snugly wrapped before saying, “On such a cold day, why did Your Highness come over wearing only this thin garment?”
“You wouldn’t come back,” Li Rong said, her tone tinged with frustration. “What else could I do but come here?”
“If Your Highness wanted me to return, all you had to do was say the word,” Pei Wenxuan smiled. “Why risk catching a chill?”
“I can’t afford to compensate for the peonies,” Li Rong buried her head in the quilt. “Aren’t you still angry?”
“How could I be angry?” Pei Wenxuan’s voice was gentle. Li Rong glared at him. “Then why are you ignoring me?”
“When have I ignored you?”
“You’re sleeping in separate beds,” Li Rong muttered. Pei Wenxuan couldn’t help but laugh. “Your Highness, you were the one who asked me to wait. Sleeping separately was just to give you some time.”
Li Rong remained silent. Pei Wenxuan reached out to brush her hair, tucking the stray strands behind her ear. Li Rong buried her face in the quilt. She wasn’t afraid of Pei Wenxuan speaking boldly or acting recklessly, but she couldn’t handle him touching her so tenderly and earnestly.
Perhaps she simply couldn’t stand good people, unsure how to respond to such a gentlemanly demeanor in bed.
Pei Wenxuan explained, “I know you felt embarrassed after saying those things that day, so I thought it would be better to leave the matter of our relationship in your hands. If you want me to move back, I will. If not, I can sleep in the study.”
“Don’t act so righteous as if you’re doing everything for my sake,” Li Rong glared at him. “If you really meant it, why didn’t you sleep in the guest room? Sleeping on this small, hard couch—weren’t you just hoping I’d come coax you and put on airs?”
Li Rong seemed to have grown wiser.
Pei Wenxuan was momentarily speechless, feeling somewhat exposed. He casually averted his gaze and cleared his throat. “Your Highness thinks too poorly of me.”
“Is it me thinking poorly of you?”Seeing that Pei Wenxuan still refused to admit it, Li Rong simply sat up wrapped in the quilt, patting the small couch with her hand. "You old scoundrel, you're so wicked! Now you come to me saying you weren't ignoring me, just pretending to be a good person with all sorts of excuses. During the day, you kept your distance and deliberately left me hanging. When I was hurt, you didn't ask about me. My eyes were red from crying, and you didn't even care. And when you came to apply medicine, you had to tie it like this to make people laugh at me!"
Li Rong pointed at the swaying bow on her head, dissatisfied. "You clearly treat me like an eighteen-year-old girl who knows nothing. Playing all these games of playing hard to get, pretending to push and pull, acting out both the villain and the hero by yourself—just to trick me!"
Completely exposed by Li Rong, Pei Wenxuan could no longer maintain his noble gentleman act. In the darkness, his face flushed and paled alternately. After holding back for a long time, he could only tug at Li Rong's quilt and say, "If you have something to say, say it. Don't hog the quilt."
"What do you need the quilt for?" Li Rong tightened her grip on the quilt, glaring at Pei Wenxuan. "Aren't you a fox fur? Warm yourself up!"
"It's cold in the middle of the night," Pei Wenxuan frowned. "If I catch a cold, I still have to attend court tomorrow. Let's argue under the covers."
Li Rong hesitated for a moment, feeling that Pei Wenxuan had a point. She couldn't let such matters interfere with important affairs.
So she shared the quilt with him, and the two of them slipped under the covers together.
The small couch in the study was meant for one person. With two lying down, they couldn't even stretch out flat and had to lie on their sides facing each other. In such a cramped space, a young man and woman wearing only thin robes should, in theory, feel some impulse. But when Pei Wenxuan looked up and saw Li Rong's eyes—bright and piercing in the dark, filled with accusation—all his feelings vanished instantly. He instinctively wanted to retort but calmed himself before speaking, thinking that it wasn't easy for their relationship to reach this point, and he mustn't let his mouth ruin it.
After a long silence, Pei Wenxuan finally spoke softly, "Your Highness, spare me some dignity."
"And did you spare me any dignity?" Li Rong pressed on relentlessly. "You old rogue."
"No," Pei Wenxuan couldn't hold back. "Li Rong, why won't you take the out I'm giving you? Do you really have to keep arguing like this? I admit I had a little scheme in mind, hoping you'd coax me. But dare you say you weren't playing along? That you didn't know? Do I really have to spell it out and make things awkward for both of us?"
"Why would I feel awkward?" Li Rong sneered. "I'm not like you, acting one way in public and another in private."
"Oh, you're certainly not like me," Pei Wenxuan laughed, a hint of mockery in his voice. "I openly say I like you, and I secretly like you too. How could I be like you? You openly say you want to keep me, but secretly you're probably overjoyed knowing I'm sleeping in the study."
"You're judging a noble heart by your own petty standards."
Li Rong poked his chest with her finger. "If I were happy, would I even be here?"
"You don't want me to come back," Pei Wenxuan said bluntly. "You're just afraid I'll run away."
Li Rong's movements froze. Seeing her stiffen, Pei Wenxuan realized he had spoken too harshly. His heart softened, and he sighed, reaching out to hold Li Rong's hand. "Don't worry, I understand."
"What do you understand?"Li Rong lowered her gaze, and Pei Wenxuan softened his voice. "What I said wasn't entirely meant to deceive you. My decision to sleep separately was genuinely to give you some time. I understood what you told me that day. You asked me to wait because you know deep down that letting go of the past isn't something that can happen overnight. Until then, you can't give me the kind of affection I desire."
"I'm not..."
"Don't speak," Pei Wenxuan raised his hand to gently press against her lips, speaking softly. "The fact that you confided in me shows you care, and I don't resent it. Right now, your feelings for me are caught between being unable to let go and not fully embracing them. That's why you're trying so hard to be good to me—at your core, it's just to keep me by your side. But when emotions haven't reached that point, forcing yourself like this only strains you."
"I don't quite understand what you're saying," Li Rong chuckled. "For example?"
"For example, Your Highness," Pei Wenxuan's hand slid to the knot of her robe at her waist. "If your humble servant wished to attend to Your Highness, would you permit it?"
"Lord Pei is skilled in such matters, and it would bring pleasure to both of us," Li Rong raised an eyebrow. "Why wouldn't I permit it?"
"That's exactly it." Pei Wenxuan withdrew his hand. "But if I were to indulge in such intimacy with Your Highness now, I might never truly enter your heart. Because I would be ignoring what you truly desire emotionally. In our relationship, Your Highness would be compromising."
"In matters of the heart, Your Highness has endured too much compromise. If I cannot make you feel that this is something you need not force yourself into, something entirely within your control, you will never entrust your heart to me."
Li Rong remained silent, quietly watching Pei Wenxuan.
She suddenly felt as though Pei Wenxuan resided within her heart, seeing things even more clearly than she herself could.
Many things left her confused—why she both wanted Pei Wenxuan to return to their room yet feared his return; why she felt joy when he treated her well yet also anxiety.
Ultimately, it all came down to her inability to give Pei Wenxuan the affection he hoped for, and her fear of him leaving.
Unconsciously, she had been subtly trying to please him, resisting anything that might make her feel he could leave.
"I can joke with Your Highness, ask for a little sweetness. That you secretly came to find me tonight makes me immensely happy."
"But I cannot truly disregard your genuine emotions. Ever since you opened your heart to me that day, you've been tense. If I didn't leave, you might remain this way indefinitely. Rest assured, Your Highness, I am not upset with you. I am waiting for you."
"So you'll still go back?" Li Rong looked up at him. Pei Wenxuan smiled. "Naturally. Sleeping in the study is precisely to make Your Highness worry, isn't it? When you truly wish for my return, I'll give you a way to summon me back."
"Your Highness values face." Pei Wenxuan pressed his lips together, careful not to provoke her embarrassment, restraining his smile. "I'm paving the way for you."
"Cunning old fox."
Li Rong muttered under her breath. Pei Wenxuan smiled without replying. After a moment of hesitation, Li Rong tentatively reached out, wrapping her arms around his neck.
Her soft body pressed against his as she gently rested her head against his chest, whispering, "Then you should go back.""Your Highness, do you truly mean that?" Pei Wenxuan asked. "If I return, will you feel it's too intimate and become nervous?"
Then he added, "Whatever Your Highness decides, I will not be displeased."
Li Rong leaned against Pei Wenxuan, thinking seriously for a long time. Listening to his heartbeat, she felt a silent sense of security enveloping her.
She rarely felt such steadiness—just leaning against this person, as if storms no longer existed in this world.
After a long while, she whispered, "Not anymore."
Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan raised his hand, pulling her into his embrace, and said calmly, "Then sleep. I'll return tomorrow."
"No," Li Rong immediately sat up, wrapped in the quilt, and said seriously, "I can't sleep here, or they'll know tomorrow."
"Then Your Highness means..."
"You come back with me."
Li Rong spoke earnestly, "We'll go back the same way, without alerting anyone."
That way, no one would know she had actively sought out Pei Wenxuan.
Pei Wenxuan looked at Li Rong with an indescribable expression. Li Rong's resolve was firm. After a brief standoff, Pei Wenxuan glanced at his small bed and finally nodded, "Alright, alright, let's go back then."
With that, Pei Wenxuan got out of bed with Li Rong, draped his clothes over her, and said, "Let's hurry."
Once they agreed, they quietly climbed out through the window again, anxiously avoiding the servants along the way, sneaking back to Li Rong's room and returning to bed.
Once they reached Li Rong's large bed, they finally relaxed. Lying down, they exchanged a smile. Pei Wenxuan pulled the quilt over Li Rong and said, "Sleep."
With Pei Wenxuan back, the bed suddenly felt much smaller. Yet, for some reason, Li Rong felt the bed seemed warmer, softer, and altogether more comfortable.
As Pei Wenxuan lay down beside her, she couldn't help but roll over, smiling as she propped herself up on the bed and looked at him. "Pei Wenxuan."
"Hmm?" Pei Wenxuan rested one hand behind his head, glancing at her sideways. Li Rong grinned and said, "According to what you said, if the time isn't right," she raised her hand and gently tapped his chest, "would you be the kind of gentleman who remains unmoved, no matter what happens?"
"Is that how the poem is used?"
Pei Wenxuan smiled, allowing Li Rong to trace circles on his chest.
Li Rong lay on her stomach, propping her chin with her hand, her feet swinging idly in the air as her fingers lightly brushed Pei Wenxuan's chest. "Does that matter? I'm just asking."
"I promised Your Highness, and I will naturally keep my word."
As he spoke, Pei Wenxuan propped himself up and leaned closer to Li Rong. "But Your Highness, if you actively provoke me, that's all debt. I'll remember every bit of it, and it will all be repaid in the future."
He leaned close to her ear and whispered, "I remember clearly the days when Your Highness didn't leave the room during our newlywed period."
Hearing this, Li Rong stiffened for a moment before letting out a scoff. "You're just taking advantage of my youth."
But despite her words, she obediently lay back down, closed her eyes, pulled the quilt over herself, and said, "Sleep!"
Pei Wenxuan chuckled softly but said nothing more.
Li Rong lay with her back to Pei Wenxuan, her eyes open in the darkness.That night she was very happy, though she didn't know exactly why. Only many years later, when Pei Wenxuan asked about it, did she realize after thinking for a long time.
It was the first time in her life she felt truly cherished.
Being favored was easy—like her imperial father, who occasionally showered her with affection.
Being loved wasn't difficult either—like her mother, who carefully protected her within the palace walls.
But being cherished meant having someone who unconditionally accepted you, allowed you to make mistakes, permitted you to disregard equality, and even found you adorable when you acted willfully. They asked for nothing and wanted nothing from you.
They loved you, simply for who you were.
Back then, Li Rong didn't understand all this. She just pulled up the covers, closed her eyes, and couldn't help but smile as she fell asleep.
The two slept until just before the Morning Court Assembly. Jing Lan knocked softly on the door outside and whispered, "Your Highness, it's time to rise."
Li Rong woke groggily. Before she could get up, she felt Pei Wenxuan cover her eyes with something as he said gently, "Sleep a little longer."
Hearing this, her already weak resolve to wake up instantly crumbled, and she drifted back into deep sleep. Faintly, she heard Pei Wenxuan get up and call to those outside, "Come in."
Outside, Jing Lan was momentarily stunned, then her face lit up with joy. She exchanged a glance with Jing Mei, suppressing a smile as she pushed the door open and entered.
Once inside, they saw Pei Wenxuan dressing Li Rong, who leaned against his shoulder, eyes still closed, trying to steal a few more moments of sleep.
After Pei Wenxuan finished dressing her, he said softly, "Time to get up and wash."
Only then did Li Rong finally rise, allowing Jing Lan to attend to her washing.
Pei Wenxuan glanced at the attendants nearby, tilting his chin as he washed his face. "Go to the study and fetch my official robes."
Hearing this, everyone chuckled quietly, as if they knew what had happened the previous night.
Pei Wenxuan glanced subtly at Li Rong, who cleared her throat and demanded, "What are you laughing at? How dare you mock your masters?"
At her words, everyone quickly apologized with smiles, though they showed no trace of fear. For some reason, Li Rong couldn't bring herself to scold them harshly—perhaps because she was in a good mood. She only said, "No discipline."
After she spoke, the attendants hurriedly apologized again. Li Rong pretended not to notice. Once they finished washing, she and Pei Wenxuan went out together. Pei Wenxuan sighed, "Today, this humble official bears the blame for Your Highness. Will you remember this as merit?"
"Consider it noted for now," Li Rong said, smiling as she glanced at him. Pei Wenxuan looked at the white cloth tied around her head again and saw her lively expression, which made him want to laugh.
Seeing him lower his head to suppress his laughter, Li Rong suddenly remembered, "By the way, Hua Le getting beaten yesterday—was that your doing?"
"So that's why you came to the study last night?"
Pei Wenxuan immediately understood why Li Rong had visited his study the previous night. Li Rong cleared her throat, "Answer the question."
"Yes," Pei Wenxuan said leisurely. "I know you don't like dwelling on such matters, but I'm quite petty."
Pei Wenxuan scoffed, "You suffered a beating with a folding ruler, and she thought she could get away with copying the 'Admonitions for Women' ten times? Wishful thinking."
"By the way, what did you say to His Majesty? He saw you once and went back to slap Hua Le?"Li Rong was somewhat curious. Pei Wenxuan smiled and said, "I merely mentioned in my memorial to His Majesty that the price of Kunzhou white jade has skyrocketed. I gave His Majesty an example of the cost of buying a Kunzhou white jade hairpin and explained the relationship between the Xie family and this hairpin."
Upon hearing this, Li Rong immediately understood, recalling yesterday's news that Hua Le had worn a white orchid jade hairpin.
Kunzhou white jade was an industry of the Xie family. The Xie family owned jade shops that produced various types of jewelry and enjoyed considerable fame in Huajing. Among their products, the most sought-after was the white orchid jade hairpin.
Acquiring such a white orchid jade hairpin was no easy task. Not only was it exorbitantly expensive, but it also required a certain social status. Given Consort Rou's background, even if Hua Le had the money, the Xie family might not necessarily sell the hairpin to her.
Yet Hua Le possessed a white orchid jade hairpin.
Considering where this white orchid jade hairpin came from, along with Hua Le's slanderous remarks the day before yesterday and the incident in court yesterday where Chen Wangshi pressured her to hand over the Qin Shi case and the military funds case, it wasn't difficult to guess.
A single hairpin was not a major matter, but Consort Rou, who was being used by Li Ming as a weapon against the noble families, had actually colluded with the Xie family. Moreover, she had suppressed Li Rong, who was assisting Li Ming in his affairs. Coupled with Li Ming likely having been angered by Xie Lanqing and others during the day, Pei Wenxuan's subtle hint would lead Li Ming to question Hua Le upon his return. Hua Le certainly wouldn't tell the truth, and with all these troubles piling up, Li Ming slapping Hua Le was actually quite restrained.
After connecting all the dots, Li Rong couldn't help but feel that Pei Wenxuan was indeed a man of profound cunning and formidable methods.
He hadn't directly spoken a single ill word about Hua Le. He merely discussed court affairs in a light, casual manner, yet he directly caused Hua Le—a princess who enjoyed immense favor—to be slapped by the emperor himself. This slap was not only aimed at Hua Le but also at Consort Rou. Most importantly, it planted deep seeds of suspicion toward Consort Rou in Li Ming's heart.
Li Ming's favor was Consort Rou's greatest reliance. Pei Wenxuan was not only avenging Li Rong but also striking at the vital point, meticulously scheming against Consort Rou step by step.
Now, as merely a censor, Pei Wenxuan could achieve so much with minimal effort. It was no wonder he had risen to the position of Minister of State in his previous life.
Seeing Li Rong remain silent for a long time, Pei Wenxuan turned to look at her and smiled, asking, "What is Your Highness thinking about again?"
"I'm thinking," Li Rong sighed, "that Lord Pei's intelligence borders on the supernatural, which is rather unsettling."
Li Rong spoke so frankly that Pei Wenxuan couldn't help but laugh. "I thought you would flatter me again."
"Flatter you about what?"
Li Rong raised an eyebrow. Pei Wenxuan proactively reached out and took her arm. Before Li Rong could react, she heard Pei Wenxuan putting on a high-pitched voice, saying, "Pei Wenxuan, you're so clever! I admire you so much, Your Highness."
Li Rong was amused by him and pushed him away, saying, "Nonsense! Am I that kind of person?"
"Pretty much," Pei Wenxuan returned to his normal tone and shrugged. "Now that you and I are allies, in the past, you wouldn't have been honest with me."
"Then this can be considered progress," Li Rong said with earnest gravity. "You should be content."
"Thank you, Your Highness," Pei Wenxuan said with an expression of receiving great grace, holding his court tablet and bowing respectfully. "For granting this humble official the opportunity to be scolded by you."
Li Rong bantered with him, laughing uncontrollably. When they reached the entrance, Pei Wenxuan helped her into the carriage, then lowered his voice seriously and said, "Rest assured."
"As long as you are my wife for even a day, I will never use such schemes and intrigues against you.""What if I am no longer one?" Li Rong turned sideways, giving him a cold look.
Pei Wenxuan gave a light laugh and said gently, "Then, when that time comes, all schemes and plans, I fear, will be tied solely to Your Highness."
"You really..."
"All so that Your Highness may return and once again address me respectfully as Madam Pei."
Li Rong was stunned. Pei Wenxuan lifted the carriage curtain with his hand and said with a smile, "Madam Pei, please. Don’t catch a chill outside."
"Who’s calling me Madam Pei?" Li Rong scoffed. "You are my Imperial Son-in-Law, but I am not your Madam Pei."
With that, Li Rong bent down and entered the carriage.
The two boarded the carriage and immediately began attending to their respective official duties. Both were accustomed to handling matters in any spare moment, ensuring their lives ran with maximum efficiency. Before long, they arrived at the palace and went their separate ways. Pei Wenxuan went to chat with his acquaintances, while Li Rong stood in her designated spot, closing her eyes to rest.
Soon, the Morning Court Assembly began. At Li Ming’s call of “Those with matters to report, step forward,” numerous officials instantly stepped out.
One by one, these officials spoke up—some demanding a thorough investigation into whether Li Rong had used torture to extract a confession from Chen Guang, others insisting on a retrial of the military provisions case.
Li Ming showed a hint of impatience on his face but listened patiently nonetheless. Li Rong remained as composed as an old monk in meditation, her expression calm and unperturbed. After all the officials had voiced their accusations, Li Ming finally spoke: “The points raised by all of you have some merit. Whether Ping Le used torture to extract a confession should indeed be investigated. Let the Censorate handle this matter.”
With that, Li Ming looked up at the Censor-in-Chief, Shangguan Minzhi. “Censor-in-Chief Shangguan, arrange this matter.”
Shangguan Minzhi respectfully accepted the order, but Xie Lanqing coldly interjected, “Your Majesty, Lord Shangguan is Her Highness’s maternal uncle and should recuse himself to avoid any appearance of bias. This case should be handed over to the Ministry of Justice for investigation.”
“Great-uncle,” Li Rong spoke up as soon as Xie Lanqing finished. Xie Lanqing frowned as Li Rong continued with a smile, “According to our clan relations, you are also my great-uncle. In this court, aren’t we all relatives? If we talk about avoiding bias among relatives, how will any official business ever get done?”
“But…”
“Ping Le makes a valid point,” Li Ming cut off Xie Lanqing impatiently. “It’s settled. The Censorate will investigate whether Ping Le used torture to extract a confession. As for the Qin Shi case and the military provisions case in Ping Le’s hands, they have been delayed long enough. There’s no need for further trials. Wouldn’t it be a joke to retry a case every time someone dies? If there is evidence, retry it. If not, set a date for sentencing.”
“But if Her Highness is involved in torture to extract a confession…” another minister hastily interjected.
Li Ming replied directly, “Then transfer the case to someone else for trial.”
Hearing this, many officials breathed a sigh of relief. Then, Li Ming pointed at Pei Wenxuan and said, “Pei Wenxuan, you are originally a censor, and you assisted with this case from the beginning. I’ll entrust it to you.”
“Your Majesty!” several ministers exclaimed anxiously. “The Imperial Son-in-Law and the Princess are husband and wife. If the case is handed to him, how is it any different from the Princess handling it herself?”
“Then should it be handed to the Princess?” Pei Wenxuan retorted directly. The minister who had spoken immediately replied, “That certainly won’t do.”
“If it cannot be handed to the Princess, that means there is indeed a difference between the Princess handling it and this humble official handling it. So what is the problem with transferring the case to me?”
Pei Wenxuan’s words left the minister momentarily speechless. After a moment, the minister finally regained his composure and hurriedly said, “You will definitely show favoritism toward them.”
“Why is that?”
“You and the Princess are husband and wife!”
“Minister Chen, didn’t you once spend a fortune at a certain brothel, only for your wife to storm in with a group of people and confront you on the street? Aren’t you and your wife husband and wife? Why did one want to fight while the other didn’t?”
“You… you…” The named minister’s face flushed red with a mix of shame and anger. Seizing the moment while the minister was tongue-tied, Pei Wenxuan turned around, knelt respectfully, and bowed. “This humble official obeys the decree.”
And so, the matter was settled.It was clear that Li Ming had already discussed this matter with high-ranking ministers yesterday. After these minor officials were rebutted by Pei Wenxuan, no one else spoke up. After receiving the imperial decree, Pei Wenxuan stood up and returned to his position, and the matter was considered settled.
When the Morning Court Assembly concluded, Pei Wenxuan and Li Rong walked out of the grand hall together. Pei Wenxuan remained silent for a long while, and Li Rong, noticing his quietness, asked curiously, "What are you thinking about?"
Pei Wenxuan clasped his hands behind his back and turned to look at her. "Are we just going to let the assassination attempt slide?"
"Of course not," Li Rong said with a smile. "Just wait and see."
As she spoke, she patted Pei Wenxuan on the shoulder. "There are plenty of case files for these two incidents. Why doesn’t Lord Pei head straight to the Supervisory Department?"
"Naturally," Pei Wenxuan replied, bowing to Li Rong. "Your Highness, please."
Li Rong descended the steps, with Pei Wenxuan following behind. After leaving the palace and boarding the carriage, Li Rong briefly explained the details of the case to Pei Wenxuan.
Pei Wenxuan nodded, then suddenly remembered something. "Speaking of which, didn’t Su Ronghua try to stop you?"
"He did try a little," Li Rong chuckled, "but he knows his limits. He wouldn’t interfere with crucial matters."
"He knows his limits?" Pei Wenxuan raised an eyebrow. "You seem to trust him quite a bit."
"The Su family doesn’t act recklessly, even if it’s Su Ronghua."
Li Rong spoke calmly, while Pei Wenxuan’s expression remained unchanged. He lowered his gaze, poured himself some tea, and said evenly, "Actually, I’ve never understood why Your Highness has such faith in the Su family. Can’t you see the flaws of the noble families?"
Li Rong remained silent, gently fanning herself with a small fan. After a long while, she spoke slowly, "Everything has its pros and cons. The noble families have their flaws, but don’t forget, the prosperity of Great Xia originated from these families. Those who embezzle at the borders are scions of noble families, but those who fight and die on the battlefield are also scions of noble families. Those who scheme in the court are noble families, but those who compiled the Great Xia Code and upheld Confucian principles as gentlemen are also noble families."
"Then how do you know whether the Su family is a flaw or an asset?"
Pei Wenxuan’s voice turned cold. Li Rong thought for a long time, her gaze distant as she watched the carriage curtain rise and fall outside.
"Do you know when I first met Su Rongqing?"
Pei Wenxuan hadn’t expected her to bring this up. He looked up curiously as Li Rong spoke calmly, "I was very young then, and so was he. My father wanted to launch a northern campaign, so he knelt outside the palace gates with his grandfather. At that time, I could barely write, but he was already in court, kneeling outside the imperial study with his father."
"I went to ask him why he was kneeling. He said it was because the Emperor was launching a northern campaign, and he wanted to dissuade him."
"Then I asked, 'The northern campaign is to fight bad people, so why dissuade him?' He replied seriously, 'A ruler’s achievements are written with the blood of the people.' That year was the third year of a severe drought in the south. Rather than fighting external enemies, he hoped the people could have enough to eat."
"I asked him if he was afraid—afraid that my father would have him beaten or even executed. He looked at me and said, 'The people of the Su family live for the people and die for the nation.'"As she spoke, Li Rong smiled. She turned to look at Pei Wenxuan, her expression unusually gentle. "Pei Wenxuan, in fact, these centuries-old prestigious families hold higher principles and moral standards than ordinary people. There are bad individuals among them, but it's not the families themselves that are bad—it's human nature. Su Lin was involved in the military provisions case, but he was only the most insignificant link in the chain. The Su family protecting him isn't about favoritism; it's a rule within aristocratic families."
"If I don't take action against Su Lin, the Su family will handle it themselves. It's just that outsiders can't intervene. For such a family, even if there are some unsavory individuals, I still hold them in respect. They have their own bottom line. As long as I don't cross it, there's no harm."
Pei Wenxuan listened quietly. As they spoke, the two arrived at the Supervisory Department. Li Rong led Pei Wenxuan inside, and as soon as they reached the entrance, they heard Su Ronghua's agitated voice: "You say he escaped on his own? I'd sooner believe you were captivated by his beauty and let him go!"
"If you don't believe it, that's fine," Shangguan Ya's leisurely voice rang out. "I never asked you to believe me."
Pei Wenxuan and Li Rong exchanged a glance. Li Rong led Pei Wenxuan in. Hearing Li Rong enter, Shangguan Ya quickly rose respectfully and bowed. "Your Highness."
"Your Highness."
Su Ronghua's expression was extremely grim. Li Rong smiled as she looked at Shangguan Ya. "Arguing again? What's it about this time?"
"Reporting to Your Highness, last night, Lord Shangguan privately released the serious criminal Lin Feibai. I urge Your Highness to immediately order a city-wide search to apprehend Lin Feibai!"
Su Ronghua was clearly furious and didn't give Shangguan Ya a chance to speak, speaking directly instead. Li Rong's expression remained unchanged as she turned to Shangguan Ya. "You privately released a serious criminal?"
"I've been wronged," Shangguan Ya adopted a pitiful tone. "Last night, I was just busy and didn't return to the residence. Lin Feibai injured someone and escaped last night—how can that be blamed on me?"
"Who unlocked his chains?" Su Ronghua immediately turned back. "Why were all the guards replaced with your people last night? Who are you trying to fool?"
"Whoever feels fooled is the fool."
Shangguan Ya spread her hands, looking utterly innocent. "How would I know who unlocked his chains? What do you mean, 'all my people'? Everyone here is from the Supervisory Department, all serving Your Highness. Why distinguish between yours and mine?"
Seeing Shangguan Ya act shamelessly, Su Ronghua was so angry he could barely contain himself. He pressed his lips tightly together, holding back for a long moment before finally saying, "You're going to bring disaster upon yourselves!"
Pei Wenxuan and Li Rong glanced faintly at Su Ronghua. He clearly knew something and appeared particularly anxious.
Li Rong showed no expression on her face and simply said, "Since the person has already escaped, there's no point in investigating who is responsible." Issue a notice for a city-wide arrest."
"Your Highness, a notice isn't enough," Su Ronghua, seeing Li Rong agree with him, hurriedly added. "We also need a city-wide search."
"If Minister Su feels it's necessary, take your own people to do it."
Li Rong sounded somewhat helpless. "The Supervisory Department has been quite busy lately. I'm afraid we can't spare many people."
This wasn't entirely untrue. Su Ronghua couldn't immediately determine whether Li Rong was being sincere or just brushing him off.
After holding back for a long time, he could only say, "This humble official will go investigate immediately."
"Minister Su, you've worked hard."
Li Rong raised her hand, gesturing in a "please" manner.
Su Ronghua bowed respectfully and hurried out. After he left, Shangguan Ya stepped forward and whispered, "He was released this morning. Don't worry."Li Rong responded, then turned to Pei Wenxuan: "Let's go, I'll take you to see the case files."
As she spoke, Li Rong instructed Shangguan Ya: "Go and bring the case files from the last two cases, and have the people ready for Lord Pei to interrogate."
Shangguan Ya bowed in acknowledgment and withdrew. Li Rong led Pei Wenxuan toward the archives room. Pei Wenxuan, with his hands tucked into his sleeves, said coldly, "Did you deliberately let Lin Feibai go?"
"Yes."
"He is the deputy hall master of the Seven Stars Hall and has countless ties to Xie Lanqing. Why would you let him go? What are you plotting?"
"You'll know tomorrow."
Li Rong twirled her fan with great confidence. Pei Wenxuan hesitated for a moment before finally asking, "What does Su Ronghua know?"
"What he knows, I probably know as well."
As she spoke, Li Rong turned her head and said, "Just wait and watch the show."
Pei Wenxuan fell silent, lowering his eyes as if deep in thought. Just as the two reached the archives room, hurried footsteps echoed from outside.
Moments later, Shangguan Ya appeared. She walked straight up to Li Rong, her brow tightly furrowed, and said, "Your Highness, Xie Lanqing is in trouble."
Pei Wenxuan abruptly turned around, while Li Rong remained composed. "Oh? Alive or dead?"
"Alive," Shangguan Ya replied succinctly. "Lin Feibai attempted an assassination in the street but failed. He has now been captured alive."
"What a pity." Li Rong clicked her tongue. Pei Wenxuan frowned, wanting to say something but finding it difficult to speak. After holding back for a long while, he finally managed to say, "This is too reckless!"
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